Genealogical and biographical record of New London County, Connecticut, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the early settled families, Part 73

Author:
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1568

USA > Connecticut > New London County > Genealogical and biographical record of New London County, Connecticut, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the early settled families > Part 73

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esidin Stut1 gart, Dresden and Heidelberg, in order affor Miss Ruggles the opportunity to study an and th German language.

Even as a boy Mr. Ruggles developed a .ste an talent for composition, which he cultivatedby wri ing for the press. Before he was sevente The b came a regular contributor to several Newyork an Boston papers, and afterward to two or th : mag: zines. During his residence abroad he wathe fo eign correspondent of several America paper among which were the Springfield Repulcan an the Boston Herald. Mr. Ruggles's letters

om Ge many to the Republican were exceedingl popul. by t Messi with the people, and were extensively cop a bor press throughout the country and in Europ Lee & Shepard, of Boston, have publish written by him entitled "Germany Seen Witho Spectacles," which was largely compiled

om t author's letters to the press from Germa T book has met with a large sale, and ha alrea passed through several editions.

While Mr. Ruggles was Consul at Bar llona t Mexican Consul at that city died, and the Mexic government appointed Mr. Ruggles to fi the v

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 1

ancy ears nporarily, which office he held nearly two connection with the American Consulate. arcel a being the largest commercial city in pain,1 e business between the two countries in ex- orts 1 imports was quite large and extensive. Onof the most exciting periods in Spanish his- ry on rred in 1873, during the time Mr. Ruggles as Co tul at Barcelona, and at the time Spain was a Republic. Amadeus, son of Victor Em-

ecla anue pain, fter tl te hir turne pain emble ew mn f Italy, who had been crowned King of iled the country for about two years, and or three unsuccessful attempts to assassin- eft Madrid suddenly with the Queen and to Italy, to make it his future residence. w was without a ruler. The Cortes as- et once at Madrid, and a President with a stry or cabinet was elected in place of the

d. "ano, the gray-headed old soldier, with the id of nd in ublic, n. Pavia, seized the reins of government, very short time Spain was declared a Re- d Figueras its first President. The news bon sikad over the country, and the excitement as int se, and rejoicing was the order of the day 1 ever city, village and hamlet. The great ma- rity the Spanish people at heart are Republicans nd the had been long looking forward to the time

hen th - country could have a free and independ- it gov iment like the United States. The morn- ws of the new Republic reached Barcelona, g the at cit thedr.

was wild with excitement. Church and bells were rung, cannon boomed from the rts r :- the city, military companies paraded rough form

le streets, and immense processions, quick- and headed by bands of music, marched rough e principal streets. As soon as Mr. Rug- es, th| American Consul, was informed of the use o: le rejoicing he at once ran up the Ameri- n flag

ver the Consular office. Soon as the flag is un:

led it was recognized as the flag of the rican Republic, and an immense crowd eat All on ga all fla tiona Yar

red and commenced cheering and waving Bands of music were playing Spanish irs, and even the familiar American tunes e Doodle, Hail Columbia, Marching rough Georgia, etc. Cheers were given for El morta Cons ncc o gth 1 ycd, Linco

Washington, El Presidente Grant, and for de los Estados Unidos. Over the en- ne of the large municipal buildings a full :rait, finely painted, of Lincoln was dis- h Diogenes, holding a lantern, kneeling 3 feet and looking up into his face. The item

and rejoicing over the new Republic Tre ke hin, f

up in Barcelona, and in fact all over several days, and every day was a holi-

weeks after the new President Figueras rated, he was called to Barcelona on ie im tant business. As soon as Consul Rug- hea he was in the city he arranged with the imand s of two American ships-of-war that

were in the port, to give the President a reception and he was received with the full honors due to his rank and position on board both the warships "Brooklyn" and the frigate "Shenandoah." Both ships manned their yards and fired royal salutes. President Figueras and the members of the visiting party, which included the Captain General and the Governor of the Province of Catalonia, the Alcalde or Mayor of the city, and a number of others high in office, were escorted on board by Consul Ruggles, and were entertained at lunch on board the "Shen- andoah." Commodore Bryson, of the United States Navy, proposed a toast to the health of the Presi- dent of the Spanish Republic, and President Fi- gueras responded in complimentary terms, honoring the memory of Washington and thanking the Amer- ican people for their sympathy with Spain and the government of the Spanish Republic.

JABEZ B. HOUGH. The Hough family is one of the oldest and most respected ones of New England, where it has a continuous history for a period of over 260 years, from the time of William Hough, the pioneer ancestor, to its present worthy and honored representative, Jabez B. Hough.

(I) William Hough, born in 1619, son of Ed- ward, of Westchester, England, came to New Eng- land in 1642, settling in Gloucester, Mass., where he married, Oct. 28, 1645, Sarah Calkins, daughter of Hugh and Anne Calkins. He later removed, in 1651, to New London, Conn., where he died Aug. II, 1663.

(II) Capt. John Hough, son of William the pioneer, was born Oct. 17, 1655, in New London, Conn., and married, Jan. 17, 1680, Sarah Post, born Nov. 6, 1659, at Saybrook, Conn., daughter of John and Hester (Hyde) Post. For a short time after his marriage, Capt. Hough resided in Norwich, be- ing a house carpenter, but subsequently he settled in New London, and became a man of considerable distinction. He was killed at New London, Aug. 26, 1715, by falling from a building upon which he was at work. His children were: John, David, Jabez, Sarah, Hannah, Abiah and Hector.

(III) Capt John Hough (2), born Oct. 1, 1697, in New London, married, Sept. 4, 1718, Hannah Denison, born March 28, 1699, in New London, daughter of George Denison and Mary (Witherell) Denison, of New London. They settled in New London, but removed to that part of Norwich, now Bozrah, Conn., where Mrs. Hough died April 9, 1782. Their children were: John, David, Jabez, John (2), George, Sarah, Abiah, Hannah and Es- ther. Capt. John Hough married (second), Oct. 24, 1782, Mrs. Anne (Bingham) Baldwin, widow of Thomas Baldwin. Capt. Hough died Feb. 8, 1785, in Norwich, now Bozrah.

(IV) David Hough, born Jan. 27, 1724, in New London, married May 19, 1748, Desire Clark, and settled in what is now Bozrah, where Mrs. Hough

A fe ina

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

died Jan. 20, 1764. Their children were: Lemuel, Daniel, David, Witherill, John, Wade, Azel, Eunice, Eunice (2), Hannah and Desire. Mr. Hough mar- ried as his second wife, May 24, 1764, Jemima Bald- win, born Aug. 9, 1736, in Norwich, daughter of Thomas and Anne (Brigham) Baldwin. Mr.

Hough died July 8, 1798, in Bozrah, and there Mrs. Hough also died, Sept. 22, 1816. The children by the second marriage were: Thomas, Guy, Guy (2), Bernice, Bernice (2), Sarah and Frances.

(V) Deacon Guy Hough, born Oct. 22, 1779, married, March 31, 1806, Hannah Bailey, born Oct. 14, 1784, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Bailey, of Bozrah, Conn. Mr. Hough was a farmer and set- tled in Bozrah. Their children were: John B., Thomas H., Jedediah S., David D., Daniel A., Ma- riah, Frances D., Hannah J. (who married Isaac Johnson), and Orimel.

(VI) Jedediah Stark Hough, born June 29, 1815, in Bozrah, married Jan. 31, 1843, Lydia A. Fowler, born March 9, 1823, in Lebanon, died Dec. 17, 1893. She was a daughter of Gen. Amos and Lydia L. (Backus) Fowler. Mr. Hough was a prosperous farmer and settled in Bozrah, becoming prominent in public affairs. He served as a member of the Legislature in 1855, and was also selectman and town treasurer. His children were: Mary F. married John J. Gager ; Lucretia H. married J. M. Newton Lathrop; Daniel Alanson ; Jabez B .; Lydia B. mar- ried George O. Stead ; Charles F. died in childhood ; Kate A. married Warren S. Abel, of Stamford, Connecticut.

(VII) Jabez B. Hough was born in Bozrah, Conn., April 19, 1855, and lived on the old home- stead until fifteen years of age, attending the dis- trict school. He then left home and became a clerk in Fitchville in the general store, conducted by the Goddards, thus continuing several years, until he came to East Lyme. In the spring of 1880, he came to East Lyme as salesman and agent in charge of the factory store conducted by the Sturtevants, and oc- cupied these positions until the business was closed. In 1890 the firm of Hough & Eaton began its exist- ence, but upon the death of Mr. Luther C. Eaton, in 1895, Mr. Hough became the sole proprietor.

Beginning with a limited capital, by energy, en- terprise and thrift, Mr. Hough has become one of the most successful and influential citizens of East Lyme, operating the large factory store. In 1898 he also established the general store at Flanders, East Lyme, which he is still conducting. In manner he is genial and unassuming, and always very accom- modating, and has many friends among the best men in the surrounding country. Not only is Mr. Hough one of the most prosperous and popular merchants in the town, but he is also active in town affairs and fraternal orders. Mr. Hough is a stanch Republican, and in 1897 was appointed, by Presi- dent McKinley, postmaster at East Lyme, and he has continued to hold that office. Fraternally he is

a Mason, being connected with Bay View Lodge No. 120, F. & A. M., of Niantic; is a meber of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, ud the Fraternal Helpers, both of Niantic.

On March 17, 1877, Mr. Hough marrie da J., daughter of the late William Grover, a mo jestim- able lady, who with her husband enjoys the

igh re- spect, deep esteem and unlimited confi

ce of friends through New London county. TI stretches very bright before these two, for iuture ere is no doubt that Mr. Hough will be called up to fill offices much higher in the confidence of the people, than those he has already accepted. Mr. High at- tends the First Baptist Church, of East Ine, of which his wife is a member. Mrs. Hough falso a member of the Ladies' Aid Society and the ssion- ligious ary Society, and takes an active part in matters.

FRANK T. MAPLES, one of the p Ininent and best known men of Norwich, Conn., is frepre- sentative of an old New London county fa lly and the youngest and only surviving son of thevener- able Capt. Charles Maples, a sketch of wm ap- pears elsewhere.

Mr. Maples was born Feb. 6, 1857, in lat sec- tion of Norwich known as "Wawecus F ," has been a resident of the town since his birth Ind has long been prominently identified with pelic af- fairs. He has been treasurer of the Purita Spring Company since 1896, is a member of S| James Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M., of the Norwi , Board of Trade, of the Gentlemen's Driving Clu land of the Advisory Board of Norwich Home Cipter of Kings Daughters.

On May 4, 1887, Mr. Maples was m lied to Miss Emma F. Leach; they have one ighter Edna Josephine, born March 18, 1893.

Politically Mr. Maples is a Republican, d fron the casting of his first vote has been a stalurt sup- porter of the principles and ideals of his paty, hav- ing long been recognized as one of its a st and most astute counselors and advisers in t entire county. In his public and political life horas ex- hibited the same integrity and devotion higl ideals that have characterized his private e, and this has given him the confidence of all class with out regard to political preferences or affil fions il a degree that might well be envied by aly man This has been repeatedly evidenced by the sire o his townsmen to retain him in various po ions ( public trust for many years and the hands ne ma jorities which he has always received at e poll- as MI No man in the county has served those hom h represented with greater fidelity than Maples in the various official capacities helby hin He has been a member of the board of scho visitor for the town of Norwich for many years al durin the past ten years has served as acting school visi: or ; this is the most important and respons le pos

Franks J. Maples

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tio1 1 the gift of the board, carrying with it the di- rec upervision of all the town schools, and the deg : of success in the results attained being large-

ly c endent upon the manner of its administration. Wh engaged in the performance of the duties of this, fice he has made a careful study of educational met ds, familiarizing himself with all that is new andy st in the progress of the science of education,

and quiring a most creditable reputation for com- petey in that particular line of work. Under his wati 'ul eye the standard in the town schools has beer, gradually raised, so that within the past few yeaını larger percentage of their graduates has been sucosful in the examinations for the Norwich Free Aca ny and other similar institutions than ever

bef in their history; this has been very pleasing to t| teachers, parents and children alike, and has give im a well-earned popularity with all.

1903 he was elected to represent his native towij 1 the General Assembly and was House chair- man the committee on Education, where through

his uence largely were passed the popular meas- ures 10\n as "The Superintendency Bill," the bill

for payment by the State of the transportation of p ally ls to high schools and academies, and especi- e bill giving additional State aid to small In his legislative career Mr. Maples has al- towr way een on the alert for the best interests of his nd his constituents, never turning a deaf ear part

demands upon his time or abilities, however hum their station in life. He was particularly n-the General Assembly of 1903 in procuring the « ctment of the legislation necessary to secure the ction and location of a new State hospital for the infine at Norwich; this had long been a cher- ishecream of the citizens of Norwich, but their hope

ame to naught with the close of each session of th General Assembly until that of 1903, when, throw the tact and energy of Mr. Maples, ably secor d by his colleagues, they saw them ripen into fruit , In recognition of his valuable services in this tter he was made a member of the board of trust of the new hospital at its incorporation, and on the formal organization of the board he cted its secretary, holding that office at this was time.

Il November, 1904, he was again elected to the Genel. Assembly, receiving the largest plurality of ar

local candidate. The ability which he dis- playe stand

n the General Assembly of 1903, and his ; as a member of the General Assembly of 1905,

'e best attested by his being made House chairig ) of the committee on Appropriations, that beingfle most important committee in that body, dleali is it does with the entire financial life of the

State , this position of responsibility he has shown himso to be one of the strongest men of the pres- ent A mbly and is daily rendering valuable service to the tate by his resolute defense of its treasury. Ever ndful of the honor of his State and the duty

which it owes to its insane wards he is now endeav- oring to still further relieve the distressing condi- tions which have surrounded them by securing an appropriation for the enlargement of the new hos- pital for the insane at Norwich in such an amount as will ensure ample accommodations for the proper care and treatment of every dependent insane per- son in the State.

Gifted with natural talent as an elocutionist, which was first developed by practice, and later by study in Vandenhoff's School of Elocution in New York City, Mr. Maples has appeared as an enter- tainer for many years with such success as to amply warrant the devotion of his entire time to this line of business if other interests permitted. He has also received several flattering offers to enter the professional ranks.

In church and Sabbath-school work Mr. Maples has been very prominent ; both he and his wife are members of the Central Baptist Church, and in 1903 he organized the "Let Your Light So Shine" class, one of the most unique church organizations in the State. This class has an electrically illumined motto embracing the class flower, the English vio- let, the calyx of which is an incandescent lamp ; hanging as it does over the class it has a very im- pressive effect. Each member of the class is fur- nished with a specially wrought class pin of the chosen flower. They have their own secretary, treasurer and visiting committee; one-tenth of all moneys received is kept as a reserve fund for class work, and from their resources a Chinese student is maintained in a missionary college in China. More money is annually raised by them for charitable purposes than by any other class in the school.

HON. HENRY W. KINGSLEY occupied a prominent place in the business and political life of Franklin, New London Co., Conn., for many years prior to his death, and is still remembered with warm affection and appreciation by the many who knew this truly noble man.

The Kingsley family is of Scottish origin, and the ancestors of Henry W. Kingsley were early settlers and residents of southern Windham county. Alpheus Kingsley, his grandfather, was a Revolu- tionary soldier, and had the honor of serving under Gen. Washington himself at Valley Forge. By trade he was a mason, and quite successful in his work. He died in 1856, aged ninety years. He married Eunice Williams, a descendant of the Will- iams family of Canterbury and Lebanon, and five sons and five daughters were born of this union: Betsey, Nancy, Sophia, Jason W., Joseph, Elihu M., Eunice, Alpheus, Clarissa and Simon, all of whom married. The mother of this family died in 1840, aged eighty years.

Jason W. Kingsley, father of Henry W., was a farmer and mechanic, and became prominent in town, church and social affairs. In politics he was

to th

activ

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a Whig and later a Republican, and held all the im- portant town offices. His death occurred in Novem- ber, 1866, when he was seventy-seven years of age. Jason W. Kingsley married Eunice Hartshorn, daughter of Silas Hartshorn, and granddaughter of Ebenezer Hartshorn, who lived to be ninety years of age, and who was a magistrate until his death-a most remarkable record; his decisions were never reversed by a higher court. Mrs. Eunice (Harts- horn) Kingsley died Dec. 30, 1868, when she was seventy-five years of age, and both she and her hus- band were buried in the Franklin cemetery. The following named children were born to them: (I) Silas H. went South and there died. (2) Henry W. is mentioned below. (3) Junius E. located in Philadelphia, where he was engaged in the hotel business as proprietor of the "Continental Hotel," became well-to-do, and was in that line of business at the time of his death ; he married Anna Stewart, and they had the following children: Annie, de- ceased ; Edward Fanning, who married Susan Bowen and is now deceased; William Thomas, de- ceased; and Fanny May, who married Charles M. Whitcomb and has children-Kingsley Morti- mer, Phylis and Miriam Gregory. (4) Charles A. was a farmer of Franklin, where he died; he mar- ried Sarah Kingsbury, and their children were: Jason, who died in infancy; Katherine Ray, who died in infancy ; Albert Edward, who married Eliza- beth Allen and has two children, Florence Belle and Grace May; Frederick Kingsbury, who married Ju- lia Mullen and has four children, May, Jason Henry, Frederick William and Majorie Howe ; Mary Adele ; and Jules C., deceased. (5) Julia died at the age of three years. (6) Julia A. died in 1859, aged twenty- two years.

Henry W. Kingsley was born April 9, 1820, in Franklin, and received a good sound common-school education in the schools of his native town. He also had the advantage of attending the select school in Franklin taught by Rev. Dr. Samuel Nott, and later went to a select school at Norwich Town. During the years he was laying the foundation for his future usefulness he was also taught to work upon the farm, and when a young man he often worked upon the homestead, and for farmers by the day. His wages when a boy, for a long day's work, were twelve and one-half cents per day. Until his marriage Mr. Kingsley remained at home, but after that event he moved to a farm in the southwestern part of the town, on the town line between Franklin and Boz- rah ; the line ran through the house. Here he re- sided for five years and then moved to another farm in that vicinity, where he made his home until 1851, when he purchased of Willet R. Wood, the farm a short distance northeast of the Franklin Congrega- tional Church, and there he made his home until April, 1884. In that month he moved to Norwich and bought the property at No. 94 Williams street, where his remaining days were spent. At the time

he purchased his property in Franklin it wasmall in extent, but he added to it from time to tim until he owned 200 acres. Being a thorough and pable farmer, he made a success of his work, alth ich he commenced life with nothing but a pair of willing hands and the determination to triun obstacles, no matter what they might be. work, strict economy, and wise and carefui ments, he became one of the most prosperousarm- ers of the town. After his removal to Nor ich he continued to conduct the farm until he disped of it, in the month of January preceding his d th.

rong, over hard vest-

Until the very day of his demise Mr. Jagsley remained active in business life. The end caf very suddenly, on July 11, 1902, at his home at Mwich. He was buried in the cemetery at Franklin, here a beautiful monument marks the resting-plac of his mortal remains. Politically he was first : Vlig, and later a stanch Republican, and rende d his party yeoman's service. In 1858 he repented Franklin in the Legislature, and in 1869 the fighth District in the State Senate. For fifteen rs he served on the board of selectmen of Frankli-one year longer than any other man who has 1 1 that office. The greater portion of this time was chairman of the board, and at all times too i very active part in all of the deliberations of t body, setting his mark upon many admirable refc s and improvements made during his long occujuicy of his chair. Mr. Kingsley was also justiceof the peace for many years, in fact until he had ached the age after which he was exempted by 1 4 from any further service, and served most admi poly as member and chairman of the board of sci pl vis- istors. During his residence in Norwich le was s, and om the called upon again to give the party his serv was in the common council for two years Central District. He was well posted in tl minor points of law, settled many estates, acted guar- dian, and filled similar positions of trust andespon- sibility with remarkable fidelity, integrity cellent judgment. hd ex-

Mr. Kingsley early became a member of the Franklin Congregational Church, and ser d that body very ably as treasurer. After locating t Nor- wich he attended services at the Park Chu 1. H was a very kind-hearted, pleasant man, oper lande and liberal. His advice was often sought 1 busi- ness and other matters, and his opinions, hough never given unless asked for, were rarely il judged He was fair and strictly honest in all his alings and a firm believer in and follower of th Golden Rule. Besides a good estate, he left a 1 ne un sullied or untarnished.

On Feb. 15, 1843, Mr. Kingsley was m ried te Sarah E. Huntington, born Oct. 18, 1822, i Frank lin, daughter of Azariah and Lavinia (Censlit Huntington, granddaughter of Azariah inting ton, Sr., and great-granddaughter of Barna s Hun tington, whose ancestors were among 1: mos

319

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

iner citizens of Norwich and the State of ecti) . Mrs. Kingsley passed away at Norwich 396. The children of this marriage were

Henry H., born May 21, 1849; and porn June 1, 1851, who died in October, rried ; he was a carpenter, and a most ex- g man, whose memory is cherished by a of friends.

HUNTINGTON KINGSLEY, eldest child of · W. Kingsley, was born in Franklin, in nousen at stands on the line between Franklin Bozı , and attended the district schools and Nat 1g high school at Willimantic. He has ys dopted his attention to farm work, and is ry stressful farmer and a public-spirited citi- In itics he is a Republican, and while a resi- of 1 nklin he served as a member of the ol bol and as registrar of voters. He attends Park ngregational Church, and is active in its I wor.

Mr. K gsley married Hattie N. Noyes, of Leb- , and ter her death he married Louise Tracy, un, who bore him one son, Rogers Hunt-

toning on, w died at the age of three months. After death f Mrs. Louise Kingsley Mr. Kingsley ried MG. Dorothy Saunders, of Norwich. His add ss is No. 94 Williams street, Norwich.

HAHES S. BRIGGS, present representative e Sta Legislature from the town of Lebanon, le of He well-known farmers and dairymen of ectior He descends from an old New England which is particularly numerous in Rhode

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Genealogical and biographical record of New London County, Connecticut, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the early settled families, Part 73

Author: Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1568

Author:
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1568